Arcam SA20 versus Cambridge CXA81

[Narnian]

I am currently testing the Cambridge CXA81 with my Revel M105 speakers and have fallen in love with the sound. However I hate the ergonomics (the display is useless, the remote poor, etc) and it is enough to give me an ongoing annoyance. After looking at the Arcam it resolves most of the issues but wanted to see what you’all thought about it, especially if anybody has heard it with the M105s and against the Cambridge.

Thanks

 

[Narnian]

My final evaluation was the Cambridge CXA81 had a slight edge on loud playing and rock but the SA20 won on mid-low volumes and did better with jazz and folk. Classical was a tie. Also I used no subs for testing and the Arcam SA20 seemed a little tighter and the CXA81 a bit beefier. Apart from the ergonomics it was very similar and I would have been probably just as happy with either one but when the wife piped in I now have an excuse if I ever want to replace it …

Currently listening to Dave Brubeck at a moderate volume and boy does it sound great - very happy

The Cambridge has been returned. And since the sale is off they can resell it for $200 more than I paid.

 

[Doodski]

My final evaluation was the Cambridge CXA81 had a slight edge on loud playing and rock but the SA20 won on mid-low volumes and did better with jazz and folk. Classical was a tie. Also I used no subs for testing and the Arcam SA20 seemed a little tighter and the CXA81 a bit beefier. Apart from the ergonomics it was very similar and I would have been probably just as happy with either one but when the wife piped in I now have an excuse if I ever want to replace it …

Currently listening to Dave Brubeck at a moderate volume and boy does it sound great - very happy

The Cambridge has been returned. And since the sale is off they can resell it for $200 more than I paid.

Interesting when I repaired Arcam amps out of warranty I thought the Arcam to be a very sharp treble oriented sounding amp. I know this is not supposed to happen but in the mid to late 90s the Arcam gear did sound a bit bright. Today's models I don't know about as much. I almost bought a Arcam but I decided to go tri-amp'd with big speakers and horsepower sized amps.

 

[Narnian]

Just a follow up as I decided to go all-in on Arcam with the amp, streamer and SACD player.

 

[Chaconne]

Very cool. Enjoy them. My A85 integrated amp, ancient though it is, is still kicking.